Destiny beta launches early 2014, pre-orders get first access

The beta for Destiny launches in early 2014 on PS3, Xbox 360, PS4 and Xbox One, Activision announced today. Those who pre-order at participating retailers will get early access to the beta: In the US, these stores are Amazon, Best Buy, Gamestop and Wal Mart, and in the UK it's Amazon, Smyths, Tesco and Blockbuster. Check out the list of participating retailers, by country, here.

Those who previously pre-ordered Destiny from the appropriate retailers are automatically entered into the beta and will receive vouchers via email.

In September, Destiny Design Director and 15-year Bungie veteran Joseph Staten left the company to "tackle new creative challenges."